
- Why Regular Data Recovery Tools Can’t Restore Files from RAID
- Key Information About the NAS Qsan XCubeNAS XN5008R
- How to Remove Hard Disks from Your NAS and Connect Them to a PC
Why Regular Data Recovery Tools Can’t Restore Files from RAID
Conventional hard drives store user data by writing it sequentially across the disk surface, which means an entire file is typically located on a single drive. In contrast, when data is written to a RAID array, each file is split into multiple fragments. These fragments are then distributed and written in sequence across all the drives in the array. Depending on the configuration, fragment sizes can range from 2 KB to 2 MB, so every file is physically stored across several disks at once.
This approach significantly increases read and write performance — after all, writing two halves of a 1 GB file to two drives simultaneously is much faster than writing the full 1 GB to a single disk. However, this same mechanism makes file recovery far more complex.
Different RAID levels use different methods to distribute and protect data. On top of that, manufacturers like Qsan often add their own proprietary structures and variations. As a result, data can be written to disks in many different formats, and each requires a specific approach during recovery.
How can a NAS Qsan XCubeNAS XN5008R device's network throughput or bandwidth capacity affect data transfer and potential loss?
The network throughput or bandwidth capacity of a NAS (Network Attached Storage) device, such as the Qsan XCubeNAS XN5008R, can have a significant impact on data transfer and potential loss. Here's how:
- Data Transfer Speed: The network throughput determines how quickly data can be transferred between the NAS device and other network-connected devices. Higher throughput means faster data transfer rates, enabling quicker backups, file sharing, and access to data. Conversely, lower throughput can result in slower data transfer, leading to delays and reduced productivity.
- Latency: Network throughput also affects latency, which is the delay between sending a request and receiving a response. Higher throughput reduces latency, ensuring faster response times and improved user experience. Lower throughput can increase latency, resulting in sluggish performance and longer wait times.
- Concurrent Connections: A NAS device with higher network throughput can handle a larger number of concurrent connections without experiencing performance degradation. This is crucial in environments with multiple users accessing the NAS simultaneously. If the throughput capacity is exceeded, data transfer speeds may slow down, causing delays and potential loss of productivity.
- Data Loss: Inadequate network throughput can increase the risk of data loss during data transfers. Insufficient bandwidth may lead to packet loss, where network packets carrying data are dropped due to congestion or limited capacity. Packet loss can result in corrupted or incomplete files, leading to data loss or the need for retransmissions, which further slows down the transfer process.
- Backup and Recovery: NAS devices are often used for data backup and disaster recovery purposes. Higher network throughput allows for faster backup and recovery operations, reducing the time required to safeguard or restore critical data. Insufficient bandwidth can prolong backup windows and recovery times, leaving data vulnerable to loss or extended downtime.
To mitigate these issues, it is essential to ensure that the network infrastructure supporting the NAS device is capable of providing sufficient throughput. This includes using high-speed network connections, such as Gigabit Ethernet or faster, and ensuring proper network configuration to avoid bottlenecks or congestion. Regular monitoring and optimization of the network can help maintain optimal throughput levels and minimize the risk of data transfer issues or loss.
How to Remove Hard Disks from Your NAS and Connect Them to a PC
Although the NAS XCubeNAS XN5008R can be accessed over the network, you still need to remove its hard disks and connect them directly to a Windows PC. Only then can the recovery software properly scan and analyze the drives. Follow these steps:
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Power off the NAS and disconnect it from the power source.
WARNING! Before removing any drives, carefully read the device manual. Improper actions may damage both the NAS enclosure and the hard disks in the RAID array.
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Remove the hard disks one by one, gently sliding each drive out of its slot. Remember that hard disks are highly sensitive: any impact or drop can cause serious physical damage.
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Label each hard disk according to its position inside the NAS. The order of the drives is crucial for correct RAID reconstruction.
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Connect the drives to your computer. In this video, we explain which ports you can use to connect hard disks and what to do if your PC does not have enough free connectors.
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Step-by-Step Data Recovery with Hetman RAID Recovery

This program restores data from damaged RAID arrays and is fully compatible with Qsan XCubeNAS XN5008R. Each hard disk in the array contains technical metadata describing how files were written. When launched, Hetman RAID Recovery analyzes this metadata, automatically reconstructs the damaged array, and provides access to its contents. After that, you can browse the recovered disk and save your files. The program can also restore files that were accidentally deleted from the network drive.
How to recover data from a Qsan
XCubeNAS XN5008R has 8 HDD slots, and it supports the following array types:
- RAID 0;
- RAID 1;
- RAID 5;
- RAID 6;
- RAID 50;
- RAID 60;
- JBOD;
NAS supports:
- exFAT, VFAT, FAT 12 / 16 / 32;
- NTFS / ReFS;
- APFS / HFS+;
- Ext2 / 3 / 4 / ReiserFS / XFS / UFS / ZFS / Btrfs;
- VMFS / HikvisionFS;
How to Safely Recover Data from Disk Images
This utility allows you to create a complete copy of a disk and work with the disk image instead of the physical drive. This approach helps protect your data from:
- Overwriting during the recovery process;
- Additional data loss caused by bad sectors;
- User errors.
To create a disk image, follow these steps:
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Ensure you have enough free space to store the image. Its size will typically match the size of the original disk.
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In the main window, select the target disk and choose Tools - Save Disk. You can also select multiple disks if needed.
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When the Image Creation Wizard opens, select whether you want to save the entire disk or only a specific region. Adjust the settings and click Next.

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Choose the directory where the image will be saved. You may select any available disk connected to your PC or upload the image via FTP.

Where Are the User’s Files Actually Stored?
The Qsan XCubeNAS XN5008R network-attached storage keeps SANOS operating system files on a separate RAID 1 (mirrored) array. Usually, all NAS systems create several volumes on every hard disk, and the first of them takes up to 2 Gb of space. This is where operating system files are stored. Other volumes are united into a RAID array where user’s data is written.
RAID Recovery Software: Detailed Comparison
| Product | Operating system | RAID controller support | Supported file systems | Virtual RAID controller support | Data recovery from damaged RAID | File preview |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hetman RAID Recovery | Windows, Linux, MacOS | Yes, over 100 controllers | FAT, exFAT, NTFS, ReFS, APFS, HFS+, Ext4, Ext3, Ext2, ReiserFS, Btrfs, VMFS, Hikvision, XFS, UFS, ZFS | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| DiskInternals RAID Recovery | Windows | Yes, over 10 controllers | FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ | No | Yes | Yes |
| R-Studio | Windows, Mac, Linux | Yes, over 20 controllers | FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| UFS Explorer RAID Recovery | Windows, Mac, Linux | Yes, over 100 controllers | FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| EaseUS Data Recovery | Windows | Yes, over 20 controllers | FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ | No | Yes | Yes |
| ReclaiMe Free RAID Recovery | Windows | Yes, over 100 controllers | FAT, NTFS, Ext2/3/4, HFS+ | Yes | Yes | Yes |


Yes, data recovery from a NAS Qsan XCubeNAS XN5008R device can be done in cases of RAID system failures. However, it is important to note that the process of data recovery from a failed RAID system can be complex and requires specialized knowledge and tools.
In case of a RAID system failure, it is recommended to contact a professional data recovery service provider who has experience in dealing with RAID systems. They will have the necessary expertise to diagnose the issue, rebuild the RAID array if necessary, and recover the data from the NAS device.
It is important to act quickly in such situations to prevent further damage or data loss.